The future possibilities are exciting as digital keys evolve beyond replacing plastic keycards.
Digital keys are expected to become more popular in the coming years. According to research, mobile access adoption rates could reach over 70% in hotels worldwide by 2025. As more guests become accustomed to using their smartphones for everything, mobile keys will likely become the new industry standard.
Furthermore, mobile access are poised to integrate further with smart home technology and the Internet of Things. Some hospitality apps allow guests to control room features like lighting, temperature, and entertainment from their phones. With mobile keys, guests can unlock their rooms, adjust in-room settings, and access hotel amenities – all from one app.
Essentially, mobile access will soon connect the entire guest experience.
The future possibilities are exciting as digital keys evolve beyond replacing plastic keycards. Mobile technology is transforming hotels into more intelligent, sustainable, and connected spaces designed around ease, personalisation, and seamless guest experiences.
Ensure security and privacy
Digital and mobile access use advanced encryption protocols to prevent unauthorised access to guest rooms. The keys are unique to each guest and are issued through a secure digital platform, eliminating the risk of keys being copied or shared.
With proper implementation, digital keys can significantly boost security and deliver peace of mind to both guests and hotel staff and operators. The technology prevents unauthorised room access better than traditional keycards. And since the credentials are digital, there is no need to collect physical keys that could be lost, stolen, or copied.
Driving cost savings at hotels with digital key technology
Mobile access offer numerous cost-saving benefits for hotels compared to traditional physical keycards. Implementing this technology reduces lobby congestion and cuts front desk staffing needs by up to 15-20%. Instead, hotel staff can focus on improving guests’ experiences and interacting with them, rather than on the administrative details of their stay.
Digital keys also have a lower cost-per-key. Hotels spend an estimated $2-10 per physical keycard when factoring in printing, replacement keys, and IT programming expenses. Mobile keys essentially have zero marginal cost-per-key since they are digital, making them an affordable choice for hotel chains of all sizes. They also eliminate plastic keycard waste, so are an environmentally friendly, sustainable, and long-term solution.
A worthwhile investment
Mobile access are an exciting innovation for the hospitality industry that provides numerous benefits for hotels and guests. While switching to digital keys involves challenges like upfront costs and learning curves, the long-term benefits make it a worthwhile investment.
Digital key technology represents an important step forward for the hospitality industry. The advantages for both hotels and guests ensure that mobile keys will play a key role in the industry's future.
Combining easy access, digital keys, and smart guest rooms with unified property management systems that protect individuals and assets is a unique challenge for every hospitality business. Looking to learn more? Click here to discover more about Salto’s smart access solutions for Hospitality, and follow us on LinkedIn or Instagram for the latest updates.
